(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The 84th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo kicks off Tuesday, July 8, bringing competition, bull riding, and so much more to Colorado Springs.
FOX21 News caught up with the folks behind the event before it got started to learn about what makes this week so special.
“The energy. You know, you come out here, it feels festive… Everybody is in a good mood,” said Kyle Park, the Executive Director of the Pikes Peak or Bust Foundation. “Everybody’s happy, and then you get to watch some world class athletes, both two-legged and four-legged, competing for some of the top prizes in their profession.”
With seven different performances over the next five days and a million dollar purse on the line, contestants have traveled to Colorado Springs from as far as Mexico and Canada to compete.
“Generally the economic impact of this week is in the tens of millions of dollars for the community. So we ultimately raise over $100,000, close to $200,000, that we’ll give away to our local military community as part of the charitable mission,” said Park.
Organizers expect to host about 6,000 people per show, and will end every night with live music at the Coors Roadhouse Saloon.
“Before the rodeo, we have our Fan Zone open, which has mutton busting, and a beer and wine corral, food, and vendors out there,” said Park. “So, you can do some shopping around here, test out some different alcohol and get some bags and a belt buckle, and really fulfill your cowboy dreams.”
While a ticket gets you into the rodeo, all of the activities outside the stadium are free. However, free parking and shuttles are only available off site, at the corner of East Costilla and Tejon Streets in Downtown Colorado Springs.
“We are expecting sellouts for quite a few of our performances. So, if you are interested in coming, I would recommend getting on and buying your tickets early, and buying a parking pass as well. So that way you can guarantee yourself a place to park when you get here,” Park said. “Show up early, stay late. There’s lots of activities, and we have a lot of people who come to their first rodeo, and become lifelong fans.”
